Residents asked to take part in dragonfly survey

Residents are being asked to help the Canal and River Trust gauge the impact that this year’s wet winter has had on dragonflies in Three Rivers.

The trust is asking people to help monitor the insects as part of its annual Great Nature Watch, which asks people to record any sightings of wildlife they see in canals, rivers, reservoirs or lakes.

Fluctuating river levels and fast currents can wash away dragonfly larva and the trust is concerned about the the long-term effect that the floods have had on dragonfly populations.

Peter Birch, group environment manager for the trust, said: "While this year’s floods have had an obvious impact on larger animals, birds and fish, we are also particularly concerned with the impact on invertabrates, which form the foundation stones of a healthy water environment."

For more information visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/great-nature-watch